KUCHING, June 8 (Bernama)– Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud on Wednesday opened the first session of the 18th state legislative assembly, advising the state government under Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem to fulfill all promises made in the recent state election.

He said the people were hopeful that the Barisan Nasional government would keep the promises it had made in its election manifesto.

“The Barisan Nasional manifesto, which is comprehensive, touched on various aspects, including socio-economic development, environmental conservation as well as protecting the rights of the Sarawak people in Malaysia,” he said.

The people, he said, needed the government’s support to overcome the various issues and challenges in their daily life.

“I am confident that the state government will keep the promises it made in the last election,” he added.

In the state election on May 7, the BN achieved an outstanding victory, taking 72 of the 82 seats at stake. The DAP won seven seats and PKR, three.

Abdul Taib said close relationship between the Sarawak and federal governments was crucial to ensuring that Sarawak continued to develop.

He Sarawak still needed special attention from the federal government, especially in terms of providing infrastructure for the people, like roads, water and electricity supply, health facilities and education.

“I am confident the existing close relationship and cooperation will facilitate efforts by both parties to discuss and work on the development needs in Sarawak,” he said.

Abdul Taib also reminded the people to continue helping the government to realise the state’s development agenda.

He said he was grateful that the state’s economy continued to grow despite the uncertainties in the global economy, with the rate of growth rate expected to be four per cent this year.

With strong economic fundamentals and backed by encouraging investment activities, the state’s economy would continue to grow, he said.

Abdul Taib said Sarawak was among the attractive investment destinations for local and foreign investors.

He also said that all government agencies should work harder to ensure that all programmes and projects approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan were implemented smoothly.

He said rural transformation, which was one of the main thrusts under the 11th Malaysia Plan, would change the development landscape in the rural areas.